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Draft Profile: Martin Necas

Speedy, offensively gifted Czech center plays game at high pace

The latest in our series of top prospects for the 2017 NHL Draft looks at center Martin Necas, who played in the top league in the Czech Republic this past season. The Red Line Report, an independent scouting service, describes Necas as a "terrific skater, puckhandler and imaginative passer." TSN's Craig Button ranked Necas seventh among the prospects in this year's draft.

RankingsNHL Central Scouting: 5th among European skatersInternational Scouting Services: 13th among all skatersTSN: 10th among all playersThe Hockey News: 12th among all playersRed Line Report: 14th among all playersESPN: 16th among all skaters

Necas played with HC Kometa Brno in Czech Republic's top league this past season, registering 15 points (seven goals, eight assists) in 41 games. He tied for third on team with three power-play goals. Necas scored four goals in ten playoff games as Brno won the league championship. He represented Czech Republic at the 2017 World Junior Championship, recording three points (one goal, two assists) in five games. He picked up three assists for the Czechs at the 2017 World Under-18 Championship. Necas tallied six points (two goals, four assists) in four games for Czech Republic at the 2016 Ivan Hlinka Memorial Cup.

Background

Necas tallied 30 points (nine goals, 21 assists) in 18 games with HC Kometa Brno's U-18 team in 2015-16 and then recorded 15 points (four goals, eleven assists) in ten playoff games as Brno won the league championship. He represented Czech Republic at the 2015 World U-17 World Hockey Challenge and led the team in goals (four) and points (five) in five games played.

Quotable

"He is a very good skater with acceleration and speed. Creates scoring opportunities with his surprising moves and high skill level. Played a regular role with Brno in the Czech Republic's top league." - Goran Stubb, NHL Director of European Scouting (NHL.com)

"Smart and gifted offensive player - very good offensive instincts. Shows poise with puck and distributes puck and can beat you himself. Needs to add size and strength should be good pro prospect." - Dennis MacInnis, International Scouting Services 2017 NHL Draft Guide (isshockey.com)

"He's a dynamic talent, and his skating ability is very good, as he is one of the quicker skaters available this year. Although he excels when playing a fast-paced game, Necas is also a very good playmaker who can slow the game down and make plays from the boards. He controls the puck well and can make above-average plays with his hands. His off-the-puck will need work going forward." - Corey Pronman, ESPN (espn.com)

This story was not subject to approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club. Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter @StarsInsideEdge.